You may need to apply for a visitor visa which will allow you to stay in New Zealand for up to nine months.

Do I need a visa or permit?Take the quick check to see whether you need a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand, or check the list of visa-free countries. If your home country is on the list, you can enter New Zealand without a visa.Visa free countries are:Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia****, Finland, France, Germany, Greece *****, Hong Kong ***, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Latvia****, Liechtenstein, Lithuania****, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal*, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan******, United Arab Emirates, United States of America**, Uruguay, Vatican City.* Portuguese passport holders must also have the right to live permanently in Portugal** Including nationals of the USA*** Residents of Hong Kong travelling on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passports**** Visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien's (non-citizen's) passports issued by these countries.***** Greek passport holders whose passports were issued on and after 1 January 2006******Permanent residents of Taiwan travelling on Taiwan passports (see A2.10.40)

Nationals from ALL other countries need to apply for a visitor visa via their local Immigration New Zealand office before travelling to New Zealand. Click here for further information.

RequirementsIf you need a visitor visa to come to New Zealand, you will need to meet their requirements, including funds, health and character.

How to apply for a visitor visaFind out how to apply for a visitor visa, and get the forms you will need. This section includes useful checklists to help you supply the right information when you lodge your application.

There are four key steps in lodging a visitor visa application. Click here to view them.

Checklists for visitors - Ready to apply?You need to include the documents and information stated in the application form and guide. Click here for details.

Transiting through Australia

Passengers travelling to New Zealand via AustraliaIf you are travelling through an Australian airport on your way to and/or from New Zealand, you may need to apply for an Australian visa before travelling. Please ask your travel agency or airline before departure to confirm this.

Travellers who are not eligible to transit Australia without a visa must obtain a visa, such as a Transit Visa (Subclass 771). For further information and applications please visit Transiting through Australia.

If you have other activities planned in Australia (eg. tourism, training, etc.) or your stay will be longer than 72 hours, you must apply for an appropriate visa before travelling. For information on the types of visas available, see Australia visas and immigration.

Holders of Other Australian VisasIf you are the holder of another Australian visa (eg. a Tourist or Visitor visa) your permitted period of stay in Australia commences when you first enter Australia, even if you only transit Australia to travel onwards to New Zealand.

If you are the holder of a single-entry visa to Australia, and plan on transiting through Australia on your way to New Zealand, please be advised that your entry will be taken as the time at which you transited Australia. As such, your visa will no longer be valid after this point and you will not be able to re-enter Australia on that visa.

Transiting through another country?Please check your travel itinerary prior to departure to see if you need a transit visa for any other country to get to New Zealand.